What New York State Requires?
New York State has some of the most comprehensive workplace harassment and discrimination laws in the country. This page breaks down what those requirements mean for you in plain language.
What New York State Requires and What it Means for Your Business
New York State has some of the most comprehensive workplace harassment and discrimination laws in the country. This page breaks down what those requirements mean for you in plain language.
The Basic Requirements
Under New York State Labor Law Section 201-g, every employer in New York State regardless of size or industry is required to provide annual sexual harassment prevention training to all employees. There is no minimum number of employees. If you have one employee, you are required to train that employee.
Training must happen at least once per year. It can be scheduled on a calendar year basis or on each employee's hire anniversary.
Who Needs to Be Trained
The law is broad. "Employee" covers essentially anyone working for your business:
- Full-time employees
- Part-time employees
- Seasonal workers
- Temporary workers
- Interns
- Independent contractors
- Managers and supervisors
New Hires: There is no specific deadline for training new employees, but because employers can be held liable for an employee's actions immediately upon hire, the state strongly encourages training as soon as possible after onboarding.
What Training Must Cover
NYS sets minimum content standards for all harassment prevention training. To be compliant, every training program must include:
- A clear definition of sexual harassment consistent with NYS Department of Labor guidance
- Examples of conduct that constitute unlawful harassment
- Information on federal and state laws, and remedies available to victims
- Your internal complaint process and how employees can report harassment
- The responsibilities of managers and supervisors in preventing and responding to harassment
- Anti-retaliation protections for employees who report harassment
- Interactive elements that allow employees to ask questions and engage with real scenarios, not simply watch a video
Completing Training is Only the Start
New York State requires employers to keep training records for a minimum of three years. This includes completion certificates, attendance records, and the materials used during training. If a complaint is ever filed against your business, those records are your first line of defense. Every program I deliver includes completion certificates and documentation support to keep your records in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes, there is no minimum. Even if you have only one employee, you are required to provide annual training. This includes family businesses, domestic employers, and sole proprietors with staff.
If an employee performs work in New York State, they must be trained. Location of your business headquarters does not matter; what matters is where the work is being performed.
Yes. Self-paced digital training is a compliant option as long as it meets all NYS content and interactivity requirements. Employees can complete it on their own schedule.
The state requires all employees to complete the same base training. However, because managers carry additional legal responsibilities including a duty to report and respond to complaints, additional management-level training is strongly recommended and is something I offer as an add-on.
Completion certificates, signed acknowledgements, and attendance records all count. Records must be kept for a minimum of three years and should be available if requested by regulators or needed in a legal proceeding.
Yes, all NYS employers are also required to adopt a written sexual harassment prevention policy and distribute it to employees at the time of hire and at each annual training. A complaint form must also be made available to employees.
Not sure if your business is fully compliant?
I'm happy to have a quick conversation about where your business stands and what steps make sense for you with no pressure or commitment.
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